Green Growth Term – HAWK Signal

WHAT IS IT? A HAWK (High Intensity Activated Crosswalk) traffic signal is activated only when a pedestrian or biker pushes the button. When not activated, the signal is blanked out.  This is a traditional traffic and pedestrian signal with a slightly different configuration:

For motorists:
1) Flashing Yellow/Solid Yellow – advises drivers to slow down and prepare to stop.
2) Solid Red – alerts drivers to STOP. (Also begins a pedestrian “Walk” indication)
3) Flashing Red – indicates motorists must stop, and proceed when safe after coming to a full stop (like a stop sign).

For pedestrians:
1) Blank Signal – alerts pedestrians of oncoming traffic. Pedestrians may follow signs posted on how to cross safely.
2) “Walk”/Green – shows the pedestrian he/she may safely cross the street.
3) “Don’t Walk”/Flashing Green - counts down the time left to cross.

EXAMPLE:

Here is an example from the Portland, Oregon area of a HAWK signal.

Video coming soon…

A great diagram from DC on HAWK Signals.